Portugal scraps law that tightened drink-drive limit

Portugal is to scrap a disputed law on drink-driving, saying there is no scientific evidence the strict limits help to cut road accidents.

Parliament was told yesterday that the maximum legal blood-alcohol level would return to the previous limit of 50mg per 100ml, as in most other European Union countries. The previous law, which took effect last October under the former government, cut the limit to 20mg per 100ml.

The law was suspended two months after its introduction amid an outcry from wine producers. Wine companies said sales had fallen by 30 per cent while restaurant and bar associations said sales had halved.

The conservative government said it intended to address other causes of road accidents, including speeding and driving standards. Portugal has one of the worst road accident rates in the European Union.